City Brush-Inspection Fee Mailing Indefinitely Delayed

Mayor Richard Riordan has ordered an indefinite delay in mailing notices of the new brush inspection fee, originally proposed for June 1, so his office can review the fliers for the controversial program, officials said Monday.

The draft of the notice to 180,000 owners of property in the Mountain Fire District and buffer zones sets a June 30 deadline for residents to either certify that their property complies with brush-clearance rules or pay a $13 fee for a Fire Department inspection.

“We’re still waiting for the mayor’s office to review them,” Battalion Chief Ralph Ramirez said. “Obviously it will impact on the deadline, but we don’t know how.”

Deputy Mayor Jennifer Roth said Riordan wants to make sure the city does not repeat the mistake it made a few months ago, when it mailed confusing notices that caused a public uproar.

“Given the situation last time, we want to be sure everything is accurate and appropriate and not providing additional confusion,” Roth said.

Roth said the review will also consider financial and legal implications. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. has threatened to sue the city, saying the new inspection fee violates state law requiring a vote of the public on new taxes.

Although the review may take only a few more weeks, Roth said the June 30 deadline will change. The Fire Department set the deadline when the notices were expected to be mailed June 1.

Fire Department officials said they have completed all inspections, but owners may still certify that they have complied to avoid the $13 fee.

Roth said the mayor did not delay the mailing to avoid angering voters before they decide today on a new Los Angeles City Charter backed by Riordan.

A earlier mailing just before the April 13 election outraged residents and was blamed by some City Council members for the defeat of a police bond measure.

“[There is] absolutely no connection with the election,” Roth said.